Could Manchester United Have Made a Costly Mistake with McTominay?

Scott McTominay’s resurgence as a key player for Napoli has ignited discussions about Manchester United's decision to sell him last summer. The former United academy graduate has quickly established himself as a vital component of Napoli's title challenge, raising eyebrows among fans and experts alike about what his absence means for the struggling Red Devils. McTominay, who was the target of scrutiny during his time at Old Trafford, is now enjoying significant success in Italy. In a thrilling week for the Scotsman, he scored three crucial goals, including a brace in Napoli's 3-0 triumph over Empoli, and the solitary goal in a tight 1-0 victory against Monza. These performances have helped propel Napoli to the top of Serie A, drawing level with Inter Milan with just six games remaining. On the pitch, McTominay has seamlessly adapted to the tactical rigour under manager Antonio Conte, drawing praises from teammates and fans. Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Napoli’s captain, noted, “He’s helping us a lot. He’s a great player. But we knew that… he’s an extraordinary kid.” Such endorsements underscore the impact McTominay has made in a city renowned for idolising its football stars. In contrast, Manchester United has grappled with its own challenges this season. Under manager Ruben Amorim, the team currently languishes in 14th place in the Premier League, struggling for consistency. The Red Devils’ predicament has prompted commentators, including Gary Lineker, to question the wisdom behind letting McTominay leave. Lineker stated on his show, “Scott McTominay is exactly the player that would actually work in an Amorim system. He’s what they need.” The circumstances surrounding McTominay’s transfer reveal a complex interplay between club finances and player potential. Sold for a mere £25 million due to financial constraints dictated by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, many observers believe that United may have underestimated McTominay's value. Lineker argued that the decision was influenced by these stringent rules, complicating the club's ability to manage their assets effectively. “He’s a local lad, which we all think is nonsensical and a ridiculous feature of this particular rule,” he commented. It’s important to note that McTominay was often not viewed through the same lens as some of the more glamorous signings at United. While he demonstrated skill and dedication, he was frequently overshadowed by the big-money players. This season, however, has illustrated that his departure may have come at a critical juncture for United, especially as his performances in Serie A continue to suggest that he was always capable of more. As Manchester United looks ahead to the remainder of the season, which includes crucial Europa League fixtures against Athletic Bilbao, many are left pondering whether they will find a way to fill the void left by McTominay. The looming question remains: could the Red Devils risk further damage to their prospects by failing to learn from their past decisions regarding homegrown talent? The spotlight is now on not just United’s results but their approach to nurturing and retaining players who can transform fortunes on the pitch. In the case of McTominay, it seems the grass is unquestionably greener on the side where he now plays, sparking a retrospective look at what could have been at Old Trafford.

• Manchester United
• Napoli
• Scott McTominay

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